Une Nouvelle Ère [Book 2]

XXI

This year's croquet match wasn't going really well with Alex. And he has never been so disappointed in such a game like this...if he'll exclude his rugby statistics.

All of his family and friends were in smiles, enjoying the game as it is and somehow to manage to hide their competitiveness well. As for him, his expression was nothing but a grumpy-looking one.

"Alex, you're up." his Aunt Delilah then said, snapping him back to reality.

He then walks to his colored ball and took a bit breath, before swinging a bit hard and making his ball miss the second wicket.

"Out of practice much, Little Prince?" Edith teased him from afar, to which her brother only rolls his eyes in response.

"Here. Allow me." Jo then said with confidence as she walks up to her colored ball that was nearby him. And with just one perfect swing, she successfully managed to pass her ball through the second wicket.

Their family and friends then cheered and clapped for her while she jumps in joy. Alex claps as well, displaying an annoyed smile as she turns to his direction.

As the game went on, not only was Robert slowly topping off his way to the game for the very first time, but it was also Alex's first time to be way behind than ever. Mockery and banter played throughout the course as well. And while Jo's father and brothers were in the new addition of people of avoid conflicts, the rest of The Fellowship were quick to pick up with the Crawleys' devilish play style.

***

After taking his swing and successfully passing his ball through the fifth wicket, Robert quickly heads back to the tent to check on the others. On the way there, the first person that he saw was none other than his wife Cora, seemingly content on her lounge while holding the sleeping little Peter in her arms.

It somehow reminded him of the earlier times before the war, where they would have garden parties and he would see her in the same state, holding their little daughters in her arms.

Other than Cora, their older grandchildren were playing nearby, preparing for the second round of games which involves them and little Johnny Bates. Lord and Lady Merton, Mrs. Mirada Pelham, and to his surprise, his mother was also there.

"Oh Robert, you're back! And in one piece, too!" Violet said as she saw him "I am still expecting some bloodbath, especially from you and Rosamund."

"Thank you for the wonderful compliment, Mama." Robert chuckles "But, I do hope that all of you are comfortable and enjoying the game so far?"

"We certainly are." Mirada then said "I didn't know you were this competitive in sports! I can now clearly understand why Alex is a rather a rugby champion at a early age."

"Oh, wait until you see Robert playing cricket." Dickie then mentioned "He is more like Alex now when it comes to the sport, he is too serious about it."

"And certainly will never shut up about it either!" Cora quipped, making them all laugh. Robert then walks over to her, and carefully crouches down beside them.

"How is our little Earl?" he whispered softly as he admired Peter. He gently brushes his tiny cheek with his pinky, making the baby move a bit and slowly yawn before sleeping back again.

"Completely comfortable...which is why I can't move that much." Cora replied softly "But it's alright, I'm rather quite comfortable in my position here as well."

"Are you sure you don't need anything? A refreshment, perhaps?" he then asked "Are you hungry?"

Cora looks at him, falling in love all over again whenever he was concerned about her. Perhaps because it was quite rare for him to be this concerned, she appreciates every moment about it.